SAC, Rock Hill Tennis Center, Partner For Successful Youth Tennis Clinic

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The South Atlantic Conference, in cooperation with the Rock Hill Tennis Center, held a free youth tennis clinic on Thursday, during the 2011 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tennis Tournament.

There were 26 young tennis players on hand for the Tennis Across America Free Youth Clinic, with student-athletes from the Anderson University, Brevard College, and Wingate University men's tennis teams serving as instructors, along with staff from the Rock Hill Tennis Center.

"Service through contributions to the community is one of the six attributes of Division II. The Rock Hill community has been very supportive of the South Atlantic Conference championship events we have hosted here the past four years, so this was an opportunity to give something back and show our appreciation," said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz. "I know the young people who attended had a great time and received some valuable instruction, and our student-athletes had a lot of fun as well."

Due to a rain delay on Thursday and the women's tournament still in progress, the clinic was limited to one court, but that didn't limit the fun or learning.

"We promptly turned the one court into six Quickstart tennis courts and we all had a blast," said Kim Ozmon, director of tennis at the Rock Hill Tennis Center. "The college players were totally impressed with the level of play the juniors exhibited. One comment was 'Look at her concentration,' and another said, 'Wow, look at that backhand!' We held a mini tournament at the end of the clinic. The Mid-Carolina Tennis Association provided free gifts and snacks for all the thirsty players. Thanks again to the SAC for hosting this clinic."

Wingate University men's tennis player Drew Owen gives some instructions.

28 youths took part in the free tennis clinic.